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4.5
#1 of 7 hotels in Barnstaple
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The elegant Imperial Hotel, Barnstaple, North Devon, is part of the prestigious Brend chain of West Country hotels. Overlooking the River Taw at the heart of the market town of Barnstaple, this exceptional four-star hotel combines old-style charm with the highest standards of comfort and service. Whether you're looking for a family holiday or a peaceful break, the Imperial is the place for superb service. The hotel is also a popular venue for conferences, banquets and weddings.
Star ratings are intended to indicate the general level of features, amenities, and services to expect. This property is classified according to TheAA: The Automobile Association.
HOTEL STYLE
Business
Romantic
Languages Spoken
English
Location
Taw Vale Parade, Barnstaple EX32 8NB England
The Imperial Hotel
3,000 reviews
Getting there
Great for walkers
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The Imperial Hotel garners accolades for its professional service and spotless environment, with staff who go above and beyond, although a few minor lapses are noted. Its rooms are a haven of comfort and quality, despite occasional noise and access issues. The hotel's traditional elegance and festive decor contribute to a welcoming atmosphere that enchants guests.
While some find the hotel on the pricier side, the consensus is that the experience justifies the cost. Its prime location is a hit among travelers, as is the array of amenities, despite the occasional remark on the cost and dietary options.
Location
Convenient
Atmosphere
Elegant
Rooms
Comfortable
Value
Reasonable
Cleanliness
Spotless
Service
Attentive
Amenities
Well-appointed
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On arriving there is plenty of free parking in the front and rear of the hotel which is a bonus. I was greeted at reception in a very friendly manner and given a sanitised room key in an envelope which included an informative welcome letter. Offer was made to take my cases to my room 203 on the second floor overlooking the river. The room was spacious with a large king size bed and separate sofa. There was a generous bathroom and toiletries had been provided with fluffy towels, slippers and dressing gowns. There was a complimentary mini bar with included chocolates, soft and alcoholic drinks and fruit. This was a complete surprise and very welcome. The reception phoned the room after half and hour as promised to check that we were happy with the room and to confirm dinner and breakfast reservations. We have stayed in plenty of very expensive hotels (which my husband usually reviews) and this hotel has far exceeded our expectations. Every detail is thought about with extreme care. For instance this is the first hotel to provide a dressing table with a mirror, socket and waste bin! Not rocket science you would think but I was very happy! I could go on about the finer details but suffice to say whoever is in charge of this hotel and all that comes with it has got it down to a T! Finally we had a wonderful meal in the beautiful restaurant with excellent food and attentive staff. Highly recommended we had a wonderful stay. Thank you!
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My wife and I stayed in a Deluxe River Room from the 6th to the 10th September and were treated to the most excellent service we have had for a long time. Happy smiling receptionist gave us our key and welcome pack and directed us to the lift and stairs to access our room. She said she would ring in about five to ten minutes to check the room was OK and ask for our preferred dining times and if these were not available another time as near as possible was given and this is to comply with the social distancing regulations. Room was on the second floor number 203 and was everything we had come to expect from a hotel of this standard. Fluffy white towels and face cloths, a walk in shower as I had requested, fresh fruit bowl if you like that sort of thing and selection of alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks for our consumption. The only thing missing was the fresh milk in the fridge but this was soon rectified. Beds were very comfortable and the option of king size or twin is offered. We certainly slept well during our stay. Face coverings/masks have to be worn when moving around the hotel and this give a feeling of safety as you move from your room to the lounge, bar or restaurant where you can remove your mask as you would expect. All food offered at mealtimes was excellent and lots of choice as well. We left on the 10th having felt very safe in the hotel feeling refreshed and well looked after and would have no hesitation in recommending this hotel to anyone.
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Date of stay: September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Clearly much effort has gone into staff training here. Can’t speak highly enough of the staff. Nothing was too much trouble
Really safe feeling post Covid with immaculate standards of hygiene observed throughout
Food was lovely, plentiful and beautifully presented. Rooms are spotless and well appointed. Pay that bit more for a superior room with river view. Well worth it. Floor 2 recommended. We had 219 and it was bang on. Modern bathroom and great shower
We had a great time and will use The Imperial and Brend Hotels again for sure. Not cheap but worth every penny. Good job everyone
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Date of stay: July 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Matthew Brend, Owner at The Imperial Hotel
Responded 12 Sept 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review The Imperial Hotel following your stay with us. We are so pleased that you enjoyed your time with us and that you found the service of staff to be of a very high standard; that is something we strive for! It is great to read that you felt really safe post Covid with immaculate standards of hygiene observed throughout. Thank you again and we hope to welcome you back again soon. Best wishes, The Imperial Hotel
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This was a dream of a find. Spotlessly clean and close to the town centre, but with plenty of private parking. Particularly good for disabled badge holders as the hotel will reserve parking places for you. We chose a river facing view and it was very quiet as the road that passes in front does not allow through traffic. We also booked the half board menu, which gave us an excellent choice of 4 courses from a daily changing menu. Room facilities were excellent, in room wi-fi worked fine and I liked the daily supply of fresh milk each day to use with the tea/coffee facilities.
The breakfast had a huge choice and hot food was served piping hot at both breakfast and dinner. The restaurant and bar staff were efficient and friendly.
Check out was automatic with extras being automatically charged to my card and detailed receipt e-mailed to me.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: March 2022
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from Guest Relations, Guest Services / Front Office at The Imperial Hotel
Responded 12 Feb 2023
Thank you for your glowing review of The Imperial Hotel after staying with us and awarding us 5 out of 5! We are delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable experience. You have touched upon many aspects, each in a very positive manner, but it is most pleasing to read how much you enjoyed the food served to you and the friendliness of our team of staff. Thank you again and we hope to welcome you back soon. Best wishes, The Imperial
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The hotel is well decorated and is laid out so you can benefit seeing the River Taw estuary and two road bridges crossing it from all the main rooms on the ground floor. Our room looked out over the river too and so it was a pleasure to look out and see the birds and even some early Canadian Geese flying around. There is a flat promenade to walk along the river. The town centre was a few minutes away. All the staff were kind and courteous and nothing was too much trouble. The room was clean and, if a bit small, had everything needed. The Covid restrictions meant that room service was only after our second night of our stay. There were little seating areas on each landing to look over the River. We used them to sit and read later on in each day. All in all an excellent hotel built on good service of all staff. It was lovely to see the hotel fully booked and the dining room full. A staggered seating plan meant each party was escorted into the dining room. The food service was quick and the food.freshly cooked. All in all a little gem of a hotel and we will be returning soon.
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: June 2021
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We had a really relaxing time at The Imperial Hotel in Barnstaple. On arrival we were upgraded to a superior room overlooking the river. The room was really clean and looked freshly refurbished. The hotel was very organised regarding sanitising and cleanliness. There were sanitising stations throughout the hotel, masks were worn everywhere outside the rooms and all the pre booked meals including breakfast were staggered in ten minute slots to avoid crowding and queues, guests sat at the same table for dinner or breakfast. Contact tracing was active within the hotel. All precautions were taken by the hotel to maximise cleanliness and minimise infection. The bedroom was cleaned daily. The food, breakfast and dinner were presented and were of a high standard. There was still a breakfast buffet off a menu but you ordered at the table so everything was freshly made. The pool was in use by booking at the sister hotel. All the staff without exception were professional, friendly and attentive. We had a great time and will return if in the area.
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Date of stay: October 2020Trip type: Travelled as a couple
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from William Sherwin, General Manager at The Imperial Hotel
Responded 20 Nov 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel following your recent stay! We have put many measures in place as you've mentioned to help keep everyone safe and to see it being noted and appreciated is great to hear. We hope your keeping safe and hope to see you again soon.
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I stayed here recently for a couple of nights on dinner bed and breakfast terms. I have been to this hotel on numerous occasions but only in passing and have not stayed previously, I was not disappointed with the hotel, and the meals were excellent with a fairly good choice. Sanitiser was evident all around and sanitisation by staff was almost constant. I only have one criticism that being that even with the radiators in the bedroom and en suite turned off the bedroom was far to hot.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Location
Cleanliness
Service
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from William Sherwin, General Manager at The Imperial Hotel
Responded 20 Nov 2020
Thank you for taking the time to review our hotel following your recent stay with us! I'm glad your stay was positive overall and can only apologize about the temperature of the room. I hope this will not put you off staying with us in the future
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The staff her are exceptionally well trained in all aspects of service and hygiene. This is greatly appreciated during the current circumstances. The rooms have everything you need to make life comfortable and they are absolutely spotless.
Food and wine is excellent and the service is very good. We also visited another Brend Hotel nearby - The Park. Although not so traditional and with a more relaxed atmosphere, this also had well trained staff who made our trip enjoyable.
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Date of stay: September 2020
Rooms
Service
Sleep Quality
Room Tip:Â Great river views
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We have visited this hotel many times, and return because the hotel is very professional run with staff who are genuinely concerned to make the stay exceptional for all the right reasons. The standards of cleanliness and Covid preparations are high, and we felt safe throughout our stay. Staff are pleasant and welcoming, always willing to accommodate every request. The breakfast and evening meals are superb, it's great to return at the end of the day to a meal that you know you will really enjoy, and in the many times we have eaten at the Imperial we have never been disappointed. The menu varies each day, plenty of choices, served in a beautifully furnished restaurant. Thank you for some very happy memories, Imperial!
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Review collected in partnership with this hotel
Date of stay: September 2020
Value
Rooms
Location
Cleanliness
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We made a last minute booking due to COVID for 6 nights in Oct 2020.
The Reservations/Reception staff – William and Lucy were so helpful and efficient. Lucy went the extra mile for us when we booked, suggesting dog friendly activities for us, she was an absolute star. All of the staff we met were very friendly and helpful, all wore masks and remained cheerful even though it must be hard wearing a mask for your entire shift.
There was ample free parking both at the front and rear of the main building. The rear car park is a bit further to walk if you have suitcases but a very kind (and strong!) Porter helped us with our luggage.
We booked a dog friendly standard room in River Court – the annexe at the front of the building. We had a super king size, very comfortable bed. The room was spacious with plenty of storage, hairdryer, large TV, free WIFI, spacious bathroom and tea/coffee making facilities.
The Housekeepers did an amazing job – the hotel was spotlessly clean and the COVID regulations were adhered to in all parts of the hotel. It felt incredibly safe. Dogs aren’t allowed in the main building so Lucy kindly delivered us some forms to hang on the door for breakfast in our room. We had a cooked breakfast each morning and it was always on time and delicious.
The hotel is next to the river and is a 5 minute walk to the High Street which features an M&S, plus the Pannier Market. A few minutes the other way is Rock Park where you can exercise your dog.
Local dog friendly restaurants for dinner which allow dogs inside in Barnstaple are Latitude 48, Lush Restaurant and Tarko Lounge. There are also many coffee shops which allow dogs in during the day.
I would highly recommend this hotel and would return without hesitation.
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Date of stay: October 2020
Location
Service
Sleep Quality
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Response from William Sherwin, General Manager at The Imperial Hotel
Responded 20 Nov 2020
Thank you so much for your overwhelmingly positive review of our hotel! We are thrilled to hear you enjoyed your stay and I enjoyed reading your lovely review. I will pass on all comments to Lucy, our reservations team and our housekeeping staff as I'm sure they will be delighted to hear them. We hope your staying safe and look forward to you returning.
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Nick170 has answered it all. The Museum is fascinating and so well curated.
Before our visit, we walked on Exmoor to find the source of the River Exe at Simonsbath, which we did as the wind lashed the rain against us. Worth it though and the Imperial was the perfect place to dry off, warm up and, as my original review, enjoy a first class dinner.
There are more places to choose from in the Barnstaple area.
PRICE RANGE
$220 - $312 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room)
ALSO KNOWN AS
imperial hotel barnstaple
LOCATION
United KingdomEnglandDevonBarnstaple
NUMBER OF ROOMS
63
Prices are provided by our partners, and reflect total costs of the stay, including all taxes and fees known to our partners. Please see our partners for more details.
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